The Best Fourth of July Parades in the Country

The best part about Independence Day parades? Small-town celebrations often rival big-city productions. A few of our favorites from both camps follow...
|
This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.

The best part about Independence Day parades? Small-town celebrations often rival big-city productions. A few of our favorites from both camps follow...

4th of July Parades
(01 of07)
Open Image Modal
BRISTOL, RHODE ISLANDBristol is home to the oldest 4th of July celebration in the country, dating back to 1785, when a reverend of the First Congregational Church conducted the initial pomp and circumstances. Each year, America’s birthday celebration starts early—on Flag Day (June 14)—and concludes with a 2.5-mile parade on the 4th of July.
(02 of07)
Open Image Modal
WASHINGTON, D.C.As you might expect from a 4th of July parade through the nation’s capital, it’s all here—marching bands, military units, floats, political celebrities, and loads of colonial re-enactors hamming it up. The National Independence Day Parade route begins at Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, and heads west past the Smithsonian (which has hosted the Folklife Festival on parade day) to conclude at 17th Street.
(03 of07)
Open Image Modal
ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIAThis East Bay city has won some accolades over the years for its hometown-style celebration of the 4th of July. With more than 170 floats and 2,500 participants parading approximately three miles, it’s the longest parade route in the country, drawing more than 20,000 onlookers eager for glimpses of everything from rifle squads to a horse ballet.
(04 of07)
Open Image Modal
APTOS, CALIFORNIAThis quaint seaside town several miles east of Santa Cruz is proud of its claim to the World’s Shortest Parade—just .6 miles, cutting through the Village Square. Festivities kick off for the 50th annual parade with a morning pancake breakfast, and although the parade spans just over a half mile, it’s jam-packed with activity.
(05 of07)
Open Image Modal
COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORKOne of the oldest parades in the country, Cooperstown’s Grand Old Fourth at the Farmers’ Museum features throwback décor as a nod to its early-1800s heyday. Cooperstown’s events dovetail with celebrations in nearby Oneonta and Springfield, which is hosting its 99th parade this year. Live bands, BBQ dinner trains, and the spirit of the 19th century are all alive at this trifecta of small-town celebrations.
(06 of07)
Open Image Modal
BEND, OREGONCentral Oregon’s resort haven is known for its Old Fashioned July 4th Festival and Pet Parade, which has been this modest-sized town’s tradition since the 1930s. Kids and their pets are the stars, with parents pulling wagons occupied by everything from dogs to lizards and goats.
(07 of07)
Open Image Modal
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIAArguably the most patriotic 4th of July parade in the nation, Philly’s annual Independence Day Parade involves more than 5,000 participants from a dozen states, and is just one of many Wawa Welcome America! festival events that take place in the historic city from July 1 through July 7.

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

MORE IN LIFE